thank you! what is a baltimore Catechism? can i find it online? does that catechism teach us catholics how to go to heaven?
The Baltimore Catechism was the primary teaching text for American school children from the late 19th century until the 1960’s, when it was jettisoned in favor of less systematic catechesis ( i.e. CCD butterflies and banner making). In leading adult catechesis, Bible study, and apologetics classes, I’ve found that older people that were taught with it, still can recall the basic tenets of the Faith, while younger adults who went through 60’s - 70’s - 80’s CCD programs, generally speaking, know next to nothing about what the Church teaches. The Baltimore Catechism is now making something of a comeback, especially among homeschoolers and others serious about their Faith. My 11 year old is being raised with it, and he can run circles, theologically, around the average Catholic adult in the pew.
Here is a link to an on-line version. I suggest, however, you get your own copy available at most Catholic bookstores. Keep in mind it is designed for young children, so it is not meant to be an entire compendium of Catholic theology or teaching. If you are going to be teaching, however, it will help you explain profound truths to children simply:
truecatholic.org/baltcont.htm
Here is something you can say to children about salvation from the Baltimore Catechism:
**3. Why did God make us? **
God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven.
*Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love him. (I Corinthians 2:9) *
**4. What must we do to gain the happiness of heaven? **
To gain the happiness of heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world.
*Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth; where the rust and moth consume and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. (Matthew 6:19-20) *
**5. From whom do we learn to know, love, and serve God? **
We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who teaches us through the Catholic Church.
*I have come a light into the world that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. (John 12:46) *
As they learn more about the virtues, sin, etc, they can get a fuller picture. But after telling them the basic story of Jesus, why he came, who is is, and what he has done for us, this is a good place to start.
Again, keep in mind that as an assitant in this class, you should take the lead from the main teacher, and rely primarily on the approved texts and lesson plans they are using. Any supplemental material is for your own education.
